Initiative 2066: Why opponents say you should vote 'No'

This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on this November’s ballot -- and this year, many of those initiatives have something to do with Washington’s ambitious goals to completely transition off of fossil fuels. 

Last week we heard about Initiative 2117, which would repeal a key part of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Today, we’re talking about Initiative 2066.

This one’s about natural gas. If passed, the measure would repeal parts of a natural gas law passed earlier this year. In a nutshell, the law was designed to push Puget Sound Energy into developing a plan for transitioning away from natural gas. 

This is where Initiative 2066 comes into the picture. It’s supported by many of the critics of this year’s natural gas law – including building and hospitality associations.

Simply speaking, the initiative is aimed at guaranteeing utility customers’ access to natural gas by repealing certain provisions in this year's earlier natural gas bill, 1589, and changing state building codes.

I-2066 would prohibit penalties for using natural gas in construction, limit the ability of building codes to discourage the use of natural gas, and keep utility officials from making planning decisions that make natural gas cost-prohibitive. 

Initiative supporters have branded it a “ban” on natural gas bans. 

Over the next two days, we’ll hear from a supporter of the initiative to repeal provisions in this year’s natural gas law…. and an opponent of the initiative.

For the "No" side of the issue, Soundside spoke with Leah Missik, the acting Washington Director of the nonprofit “Climate Solutions.” She’s also on the executive team for the "No on 2066" campaign.

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Guests:

• Leah Missik, acting Washington Director of the nonprofit “Climate Solutions” and a member on the executive team for the "No on 2066" campaign.

Related Links:

• NO on I-2066: Keep energy affordable in Washington (no2066.org)
• Measure to prevent phasing out of natural gas in WA is on track for November ballot • Washington State Standard
• City Inside/Out: Gas or green? Debate over natural gas heads to voters | seattlechannel.org

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